The
worthy landlord, who was a shrewd fellow and had made a just estimate
of Isabelle's character, finished by advising his noble interlocutor
to turn his attention to Serafina, "who was very charming, and not less
beautiful than Isabelle, and who would be greatly pleased and flattered
by his lordship's notice." This, because he felt sure that the duke
would not succeed with Isabelle, in spite of his exalted rank, handsome
person, and immense wealth, and he wished to spare him an inevitable
disappointment.
"It is Isabelle that I admire, and will have," said Vallombreuse, in
a dry tone that put an end to the discussion. "Isabelle, and no other,
Maitre Bilot."
Then plunging his hand into his pocket, he drew forth a goodly number of
gold pieces, and throwing them down carelessly on the table, said, "Pay
yourself for the bottle of wine out of this, and keep the balance."
The landlord gathered up the louis with a deprecating air, and dropped
them one by one into his purse. The two gentlemen rose, without another
word, put on their broad, plumed hats, threw their cloaks on their
shoulders, and quitted the hotel. Vallombreuse took several turns up
and down the narrow alley between the Armes de France and his own garden
wall, looking up searchingly at Isabelle's window every time he passed
under it; but it was all for naught.
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